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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Pedro Alvarez

By Brendan Dlubala

Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) is greeted after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) is greeted after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pedro Alvarez
Sep 14, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles mascot stands on the dugout during the seventh inning stretch of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Boston Red Sox 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Baltimore Orioles – American League East

The Baltimore Orioles are well aware of what Pedro Alvarez is capable of and his return to Oriole Park at Camden Yards may be the best bet for both sides. He saw success there in 2016 and a return to 2017 makes a whole lot of sense.

For starters, the Orioles may potentially lose a ton of power this winter. With Alvarez on the market and Mark Trumbo joining him in free agency, the O’s are at risk of losing a ton of their 2016 production. Granted, Trumbo had a career year and that may not come around again. Nonetheless, losing him could be devastating to the lineup.

Bringing back Alvarez can help bridge that gap in terms of power production. In 109 games, Alvarez managed 22 home runs and would likely reach 30 if given more time. With a mixture of Chris Davis, Manny Machado and Pedro Alvarez, the Baltimore lineup is still threatening through the middle.

Furthermore, Alvarez managed 14 of his 22 home runs in Oriole Park at Camden Yards and has enjoyed success playing in Baltimore much like Chris Davis did before signing his 7-year, $161 million contract. Now, Alvarez certainly won’t receive figures anywhere near that, but it is interesting how much success power hitters like Trumbo, Crush and Alvarez are having in Baltimore.

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The Orioles are a financially responsible team that do not typically break the bank for players. They have typically dealt or let players go that are deserving of high paying contracts with Chris Davis being an exception. The Orioles also have other holes to fill and needs to address. All of this helps Pedro Alvarez’s case to return as he will be a cheap alternative to what the market has to offer.

While teams like the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays make large offers to Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, the Orioles can look to the familiar face of Alvarez to get a deal done. They took a chance on him once before and he showcased his power. Now, it may be time to give him another shot with more responsibility.

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